UNITY — Friends of Lake Winnecook, in partnership with the Waldo County Soil and Water Conservation District, has announced the availability of matching grants available to landowners within the direct watershed of Unity Pond (Lake Winnecook); eligible properties are located within the towns of Burnham, Thorndike, Troy and Unity.

Grants of up to $1500 for 50% of allowed costs will be made to landowners who implement erosion control and stormwater management practices that help prevent sediment and runoff from entering the lake and undermining water quality.

Interested landowners should request a “Let’s Make it Clean Evaluation” by applying online at  www.lakewinnecook.org or by picking up a paper application at local town offices, the Unity Public Library or Bangor Savings Bank Unity branch. Applications received by August 2, 2025 will receive priority consideration and will also qualify the applicant to receive a bundle of native buffer plants for spring installation at a nominal cost.

This initiative is part of the “Let’s Make it Clean, not Green” program, funded by a Clean Water Act Section 319 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and administered by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The $122,503 federal grant is matched with $111,801 in local public and private contributions. Additionally, DEP will waive the typical Permit by Rule application fee (a savings of over $400) for eligible projects completed under this program.

A number of public and private road, driveway and property improvements are eligible for grant assistance. The largest investment will be made at the Kanokolus Boat Launch and Beach in Unity to direct road and parking area runoff away from the lake, pave the area adjacent to the launch, plant native vegetation, and stabilize the shoreline. Educational signage will be installed to showcase these best practices as a demonstration site. A graphical display of the planned improvements is currently available for public viewing at the Unity Town Office.

For more information, visit www.lakewinnecook.org or email secretary@lakewinnecook.org.